{"product_id":"matchbox-pk-127-40127-de-havilland-canada-dhc-6-twin-otter-1-72-scale-plastic-model-kit","title":"Matchbox PK-127 \/ 40127 de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter — 1\/72 Scale Plastic model kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer: Matchbox \/ Lesney\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Kit number: PK-127 \/ 40127\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Barcode: 035995422834\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Aircraft: de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Scale: 1\/72\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Original tooling\/release: 1983\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Later Matchbox release: 1989\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Status: Out of production\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Kit type: Injection-moulded plastic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Subject: STOL utility\/transport aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Markings: Canadian and British options\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Matchbox tooling dates from 1983, with another Matchbox issue in 1989 using the same basic box art and decal sheet. The tooling was subsequently reissued by Revell in several releases.\n\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer and kit history\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly interesting Matchbox kit because it represents a civilian utility aircraft rather than a fighter or bomber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePK-127 appeared during the later period of Matchbox's classic aircraft-kit range. The company, part of Lesney Products, was well known for making relatively straightforward 1\/72 aircraft kits that were affordable and accessible to younger modellers while still covering unusual subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Twin Otter was an excellent Matchbox subject because its distinctive high-wing, twin-engine configuration is instantly recognisable even in a relatively simple model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original tooling was introduced in 1983 and was reissued by Matchbox in 1989. Specialist catalogue records identify it as an original Matchbox kit and note that later Revell releases used the same basic tooling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Matchbox kit is now discontinued, although the tooling has subsequently appeared under Revell branding.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePK-127 is a conventional 1\/72-scale injection-moulded plastic kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit represents the standard wheeled Twin Otter configuration and contains the major components needed to construct the aircraft, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    fuselage halves;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    high-mounted wings;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    twin engine nacelles;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop representations;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    propellers;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    tailplane;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    vertical fin;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    cockpit;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    passenger cabin;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    transparent windows\/canopy;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    landing gear;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    wheels;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    engine nacelle detail;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    propeller assemblies;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    decals;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    assembly instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit has a difficulty rating of 2 in one current catalogue and is described as an unassembled plastic model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Matchbox release provided two marking options, one Canadian and one British.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is therefore particularly suitable for collectors interested in vintage Matchbox civilian aircraft, Canadian aviation or STOL aircraft.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe real aircraft — de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter is one of the most successful utility aircraft ever developed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was designed during the early 1960s as a twin-engine successor to the single-engine DHC-3 Otter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDevelopment began in 1964, and the first Twin Otter prototype flew on 20 May 1965.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe central design objective was to retain the outstanding short takeoff and landing (STOL) characteristics of the DHC-3 while gaining the increased reliability and performance of two turboprop engines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe result was an aircraft capable of operating from very short, rough or isolated airstrips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThat capability made the Twin Otter useful in locations ranging from remote Canadian bush communities to Himalayan airfields, Arctic bases, island airstrips and Antarctic research stations.\n\u003cbr\u003eSTOL design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Twin Otter's most important feature is its ability to operate from short runways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe design uses:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    a high-mounted wing;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    large double-slotted trailing-edge flaps;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    ailerons that work in conjunction with the flaps;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    powerful turboprop engines;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    rugged landing gear;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    relatively low wing loading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination gives the aircraft excellent low-speed handling and short-field performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis explains the aircraft's unusual popularity with operators who cannot use conventional commuter aircraft.\n\u003cbr\u003eEngines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly Twin Otters were powered by two Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-20 turboprops producing approximately 550 shp each.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Series 300 introduced the more powerful PT6A-27, rated at approximately 680 shp before being flat-rated for Twin Otter use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe PT6's reliability was a major factor in the aircraft's success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTwin-engine turboprop operation was particularly valuable for operators flying long distances over remote terrain, where an engine failure in a single-engine aircraft could be much more serious.\n\u003cbr\u003eSeries 100\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe initial production aircraft were designated Series 100.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe first six aircraft were prototypes\/Series 1 machines, followed by the Series 100 production aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe first production run comprised aircraft with serial numbers 7 through 115.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft retained the fundamental characteristics of the prototype while being adapted for commercial service.\n\u003cbr\u003eSeries 200\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Series 200 appeared in 1968.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the significant improvements was a longer nose, providing additional baggage capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear baggage door was also enlarged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Series 200 continued to use the PT6A-20 engines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese changes made the aircraft more useful for operators carrying passengers and freight into remote areas.\n\u003cbr\u003eSeries 300\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Series 300 was introduced in 1969, beginning with production aircraft around serial number 231.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt became by far the most successful original production version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe more powerful PT6A-27 engines allowed the aircraft to carry greater payloads, while the maximum takeoff weight was increased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 614 Series 300 aircraft and related subvariants were sold before original Canadian production ended in 1988.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVariants included:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    DHC-6-310 for UK operators;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    DHC-6-320 for Australian operators;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    various military and special-purpose configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMilitary and specialist use\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Twin Otter's capabilities made it attractive to military and government operators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt has been used for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    troop transport;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    liaison;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    reconnaissance;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    aerial survey;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    search and rescue;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    medical evacuation;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    cargo;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    parachute operations;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Arctic operations;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    scientific research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft can also be equipped with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    floats;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    skis;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    tundra tires;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    amphibious floats;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    specialised undercarriage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThat adaptability is one reason the type has remained useful for decades.\n\u003cbr\u003eCivilian service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Twin Otter became particularly famous among regional airlines and bush operators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts ability to carry approximately 19 passengers while using extremely short runways allowed it to serve communities that could not support larger commuter aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt has been operated by airlines throughout:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Canada;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Alaska;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    the Caribbean;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Africa;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    South America;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Asia;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Australia;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    the Pacific islands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt has also become a familiar sight at mountain airports and remote island destinations.\n\u003cbr\u003eProduction history\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal de Havilland Canada production ended in 1988.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of that first production run, 844 aircraft had been built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Twin Otter proved unusually durable, however, and the story did not end there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2006, Viking Air acquired the type certificates for the out-of-production de Havilland Canada aircraft, including the DHC-6.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eViking subsequently announced plans to restart Twin Otter production.\n\u003cbr\u003eSeries 400\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe modern DHC-6-400 introduced substantial improvements while retaining the fundamental Twin Otter design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft uses Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engines and modern digital avionics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe cockpit was substantially modernised with the Honeywell Primus Apex integrated avionics system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eModern aircraft can also be configured with wheels, floats, tundra tires and skis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe first new-production Series 400 aircraft was delivered in 2010.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy March 2026, approximately 1,000 Twin Otters had been produced across the original and restarted production programmes.\n\u003cbr\u003eModern production\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft has continued to evolve under De Havilland Canada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2023, production of the DHC-6 Classic 300-G began, continuing the Twin Otter concept with modern production methods and updated equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the Twin Otter unusual among vintage aircraft designs: the basic airframe originated in the 1960s but remains commercially relevant more than six decades later.\n\u003cbr\u003eFull-size aircraft performance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentative Series 300 characteristics include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: normally 1–2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Passengers: up to approximately 19\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engines: 2 × Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-27\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Power: approximately 680 shp each before flat-rating\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Role: STOL utility\/transport\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    First flight: 20 May 1965\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Original production: 1965–1988\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Original production total: 844 aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Series 300 production: approximately 614\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Modern Series 400: produced from 2010 onward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFull-size aircraft selling prices\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Twin Otter has a much more useful real-aircraft market than many of the military aircraft in your previous entries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical prices provide an interesting comparison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA new Twin Otter reportedly cost approximately US$680,000 in 1972, while a new Series 300 cost around US$700,000 in 1976.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUsed Series 300 aircraft have subsequently retained considerable value. One published valuation reference placed a Series 300 at more than US$2.5 million in 2018, despite the availability of the newer Series 400.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a modern new aircraft, AOPA lists a DHC-6-400 new price of approximately US$7 million, while a 2023 equipped-price reference gives approximately US$7.25 million.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, for your catalogue:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical new price: approximately US$680,000–$700,000 in the early\/mid-1970s\n\u003cbr\u003eModern new-production price: approximately US$7.0–$7.25 million\n\u003cbr\u003eOlder used Series 300: values can still reach several million US dollars, depending heavily on condition, hours, equipment and configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese are full-size aircraft prices and should not be confused with the value of the vintage model kit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matchbox","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57512972550524,"sku":"Matchbox-PK-127","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0432\/8584\/0033\/files\/A6707E51-7754-4A63-9118-19E5913175E1.jpg?v=1790661120","url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/matchbox-pk-127-40127-de-havilland-canada-dhc-6-twin-otter-1-72-scale-plastic-model-kit","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}